Some tips on how to get the most out of your work experience

Under/Graduates

School Leavers

Work experience is the key to finding a job within the Finance Industry after graduation.  One of the buzz words around at the moment is ‘employability’ and this is about developing an understanding of the practical skills required for the world of work.

Work experience enables you to develop the skills that all employers look for when recruiting graduates such as, decision making, customer focus, teamwork, taking responsibility, the ability to communicate with a variety of people, problem solving and commercial awareness.

The most important element of work experience is that it can give you the opportunity to check out a career idea you may be thinking about.  It can also help you gain an understanding of your own interests and skills as well as giving you a realistic knowledge of a specific job role.

Work experience is necessary for many career options to provide evidence that you are genuinely motivated. 

If you are worried about your career, or confused about what to do next, speak to your careers teacher.

Work experience is not about changing who you are!  It is about recognising who you can be.  If you want to stay ahead of the field, then read on  ... 

What Employers want

Employers often say work experience is one of the key qualities they are looking for when considering students for vacancies. Work experience is also rewarding; it helps you develop your skills and confidence and offers you a way of trying out the areas of work you find interesting and enjoy.

So how to get it!

Under/Graduates
A good balance between personal life and a thriving career is the key goal for students looking to find the ideal job after graduating.  Students say a good work/life balance is as important when choosing a career.

There are some great opportunities for you to experience a career and life style within the finance industry. Whatever you are looking for whether it is you first job after graduation or you have taken a year our from study and are seeking some professional experience we can point you in the right direction to get you started on a challenging and rewarding career.

Sign up to take part in our  Your Life in Finance programme. This is a good way to find out more about the Finance Industry and a particular organisation. It involves you working for a real job, with high expectations and tough challenges.

Entry criteria - 8 GCSE’s (above C) and 2 A Levels
  - Predicted 2:1 degree or NVQ 4 or 5
  - Eligibility to work in Jersey
  - Practical professional experience already gained

Benefits

• Gain valuable professional experience; enhance your skill set and your CV
• Insight into the world of work before committing to a full-time graduate programme
• Develop a real understanding of a professional services firm so that you can make an informed career decision
• Build contacts and networks within Jersey
• Reduce your student debt

School Leavers
There are some great Trainee schemes available in Jersey to view which Member Firms are offering opportunities please click here.

Opportunities
When it comes to kick starting an incredible career, experience counts. With exciting placements and job opportunities within the Finance Industry beat the competition and start researching some opportunities now!

Every organisation approaches its recruitment differently.  Our aim is to feature all Finance organisations who offer Work Placement opportunities on our website here.  You can then go directly to the organisations and discuss with them their guidelines on entry criteria and how to apply for positions.

In the meantime, you may wish to contact any of the following recruitment agencies who are all Jersey Finance Members to see what vacancies are currently available:

Recruitment Consultants
·         1st Recruitment
·         GolderBeale Limited
·         Hassell Blampied Associates
·         Human Resource Solutions Offshore Limited
·         Infrasoft Technologies Limited
·         Optimus Recruitment
·         Thomas & Dessain Limited

The States of Jersey also offers help and assistance:
'Jobs in Jersey’ at Social Security
Education, Sport and Culture can provide local support to help you get the best opportunities.
Jersey Enterprise run an annual Internship programme for local undergraduates. To view details click here Jersey Undergraduate Internship 

Explore further your career options by . . . .

Volunteering
Use these resources as appropriate to get information on voluntary work and to improve your skills and job prospects.

Why Volunteer?
Many students and graduates find that voluntary work provides a great opportunity to develop skills and demonstrate capabilities to a potential employer. It has been said that employers prefer to recruit candidates with voluntary work experience on their CV. Voluntary work experience can give you the opportunity to work side by side with someone in a field you are interested in, and can carry as much weight as paid work. To get the most from your experience make sure that the work is relevant to the type of jobs you are interested in and is regular and substantial.